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Diplomatic Council Code of Ethics

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Diplomatic Council Code of Ethics

The Diplomatic Council was established as a Global Think Tank with the objective to serve as a bridge between diplomacy, economy and society. Diplomatic Council members share the idea that economic diplomacy provides a solid foundation for international understanding and a more peaceful interaction amongst nations.

The Diplomatic Council is driven by the strong desire to assist social and humanitarian initiatives with no economic interests in order to help the less privileged ones.

This updated code of Ethics provides the framework of our governing principles applicable equally to all its members and partners.

Our commitment

The Diplomatic Council is guided by the Charter of the United Nations as its ultimate principle and joins the pledge of the ten principles defined by the United Nations Global Compact.

We are determined to the fundamental human rights, the dignity and worth of the human person and the equal right of men and women.

The Diplomatic Council is committed to serve the common welfare, to support charitable projects and to contribute to a peaceful live among all nations and different cultures as good neighbours.

Our members, partners and associated organizations are committed to comply with the principles of the Diplomatic Council in all their activities and businesses.

Compliance of laws and regulations in each country of activity

Our members, associated organizations and all partners must obey the laws and the legal system in every country where we are active.

We adhere to legal prohibitions and requirements at all times, even if this involves short-term disadvantages or difficulties for the organization or individuals.

Mutual Respect, Honesty and Integrity

A culture of equal opportunities and mutual trust and respect is of great importance to us. We respect the personal dignity and personal rights of every individual. We work together with individuals of various ethnic backgrounds, cultures, religions, ages, disabilities, sexual identity and gender.

We foster practicing tolerance between our members and partners. Everybody has the right to express his opinion and world view while respecting others without any discrimination.

We are open, honest and expect our members and partners to act with integrity at all times.

Behaviour in public and communications

We respect the right to free speech and the protection of personal rights and privacy.

All members and executives should be aware that their behaviour in private and public can also be seen as part and representation of the Diplomatic Council and are therefore called upon to safeguard the Diplomatic Council’s standing and reputation in the way they act and conduct themselves in public and towards media.

Quality enjoys high priority

Quality has top priority in every respect. To reward quality, selected DC forums have created quality certificates. One of the first certificates issued was the “DC Preferred Partner Hospitals” seal, which is granted to hospitals following an extensive quality check by the assessors of Temos International, a global hospital certifier. Up to now over 40 hospitals located all over the world have been awarded the DC Preferred Hospital certificate. Further certificates are issued by the DC Global IT Forum and the Initiative DC Safer Internet for Children.

Members of the Diplomatic Council have been carefully selected and reviewed and approved by the Council of Ambassadors. DC corporate members are therefore granted the ‘DC Trusted Enterprise’ certificate which identifies them as a reliable and responsible company.

Anti-Corruption, bribery

The Diplomatic Council supports fair competition and free trade between business partners and nations all over the world. We expect our members and partners to adhere to Anti- Corruption and Anti-Trust laws and regulations and to follow their principles and intentions even in countries where not such laws are in place yet. We at the Diplomatic Council understand bribery and corruption whether in the private or public sector in order to obtain an advantage over others in business transactions as improper and contradictory to developing a healthy and sustainable economy.

Preventing money laundering

The Diplomatic Council fulfils its obligation for transparent money flows and transactions to prevent money laundering and does not tolerate any member participating in money laundering activities. Appropriate measures in accounting, controlling and supervision are taken to ensure compliance with Money Laundering Acts.

Human and labour rights

The Diplomatic Council, its members and partners support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights. Third parties dealing with us are expected to adhere to these principles as well.

We reject all forms of forced, compulsory and child labour. Employments shall at least comply with the respective national or local legal standards.

Protection of Environment and Climate

Sustainability, environmental and climate protection and resource efficiency are of central relevance with regard to our activities. A number of global initiatives and forums invite our members to develop products and solutions with a minimum impact to the environment. Our experts offer assistance and cooperation to governments in order to achieve their sustainability and climate protection goals.

International Economic and Social Cooperation

As a Global Think Tank and Charity Foundation the Diplomatic Council utilizes its business and diplomatic network to contribute to stability, prosperity and well-being of people, which are necessary for peaceful and friendly relations among nations.

Our initiatives aim to support economic and social progress, to elaborate in a global effort solutions to international economic, social, health and related problems.

Our efforts strive to facilitate international cultural and educational cooperation.

Donations

We regard ourselves as an active corporate citizen and demonstrate our commitment in a variety of ways. As a charity foundation we support and promote social and humanitarian projects with no economic interest in order to help less privileged ones.

We make no financial contributions, in particular donations or sponsorships, to political parties, organizations related or similar to parties, individual office incumbents or candidates for political offices.

Transparency

The Diplomatic Council cultivates open communication within the organization as well as externally. Our activities are published on printed and electronic media visible to the public and official authorities.

Our organization is transparent to members and non-members equally. Our representative structure is based on a democratic decision making mechanism.

Decisions regarding the usage of funds are transparent to its members. The executive management informs its members regarding received funds and spend funds on a regular basis.

Records and Financial Integrity

The Diplomatic Council has been granted ‘Special Consultative Status’ with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. This highest recognition of a Non-Government-Organization also acknowledges our strong values: reliability and honesty, credibility and integrity. We ensure to have appropriate mechanism for accountability in place with accurate, complete and

truthful reporting, which honestly reflects each transaction or expenditure, contributions and other support.

Our books and records include all data, certifications and other written materials provided for financial reporting and disclosure purposes as well as materials collected for other purposes.

Data protection and information security

The protection of personal data in particular of our members, partners and other third parties we are dealing with, is of particular importance to the Diplomatic Council. We collect and process personal data only when this is absolutely necessary to perform tasks related to the purpose of our organization or when required by law. Personal data including pictures and other personal media may be collected or processed only with the consent of the person concerned and where permitted by law.